What is the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Bromate in drinking water?

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Bromate in drinking water is established to protect public health from the potential risks associated with exposure to this chemical. Bromate is a concern primarily because it can form as a by-product of disinfection processes that use ozone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the MCL for bromate at 0.010 mg/L, or 10 parts per billion, reflecting the importance of controlling this contaminant to minimize the risk of adverse health effects, including the potential for cancer with long-term exposure.

Setting the MCL at this level means that drinking water suppliers must monitor and regulate the concentration of bromate to ensure it remains below this threshold, thus safeguarding consumer health. This MCL is grounded in scientific research and risk assessments that evaluate the health effects associated with bromate consumption.